A portrait of Laep, a Tai Dam ethnic minority woman and her young son in her home in Ban Nam Bone village, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. Tai Dam married women are easily recognised by their topknots, affixed with a silver hairpin and their tight-fighting blouses which can be one of many different colours. One of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia, Laos has 49 officially recognised ethnic groups although there are many more self-identified and sub groups. These groups are distinguished by their own customs, beliefs and rituals. Details down to the embroidery on a shirt, the colour of the trim and the type of skirt all help signify the wearer's ethnic and clan affiliations.